I saw a Youtube video from Precision Sails for a Nonsuch Tri Radial cut sail.
Does anyone have any experience with this sail loft or this cut of sail?
I have a Doyle Stackpack on the sail that came with the boat when we bought it 5 years ago.
We have had a couple rips in this sail and are in the market for a new one.
Thanks in advance for any info.
Diana Lightfoot
A Good Day 30U #336
Diana -
My N22 came with an older (and tired) North laminated tri-radial sail. It was replaced when it was 19 years old and owed me nothing. It had cost a previous owner a small fortune when he bought it. I do believe that he bought it as a racing/performance sail and I have a feeling that tri-radials are exactly that - racing sails.
I had Travis Blaine from Mack Sails make me a Dacron non-laminated cruising sail. It cost me, in 2017, 60% of what that laminated Tri-radial cost in 1999. My new Mack Sail (made in Florida) from superb sailcloth (Challenger Marblehead 6.77) is wonderful. I think that it will be the last sail that I ever buy and I’ll get years out it. I really recommend these guys. If you want a tri-radial, by all means, talk to them. They do everything.
All the best,
Ernie A. in Toronto
Thanks, Ernie. I’ll check them out.
Diana
We bought a new tri-radial sail from Z-Sails in Stamford several years ago and are very happy with it. Z-Sails was easy to work with and did quality work. They also helped us recycle the old sail through a donation to a local non-profit sailing school.
Bill Spencer - LIONHEART, NS30U 352 Hyde Park, NY
Thanks. I’ll check with them
I can’t speak to Precision Sails’ Nonsuch sails, but I did use them to replace the main and jib on a Yankee Dolphin 24.
I found them to be very careful and helpful on the phone, and was generally impressed with the quality of the sails they sent me.
They don’t always get the small stuff right, though. I ordered mine with sail numbers, and it arrived with two digits transposed. They promised to send me replacement numbers, but never did.
Unless you’re in their immediate area, they will send you forms and point you to YouTube tutorials to have you do the measurements yourself. This is doable, but requires care.
You’d think it wouldn’t be needed if they already have done one and have the measurements (they hadn’t done a Yankee Dolphin before). However, at a minimum you may want to verify that the reefing points and lazyjack eyelets are appropriately located for the positioning of the blocks and eyes on your wishbone. I suspect this varies a bit from boat to boat.
I liked them and would definitely consider using them again, but would still comparison shop before making a final selection. If you have a decent sailmaker in your area (I don’t), there’s a lot to be said for one who can come to your boat vs. doing business by phone and mail.
– Bob
Solar Wind, Nonsuch 26C #143
Marina del Rey, California
Long story but I sent Mack my old sail to recycle the bronze slides, the headboard, a few other bits of hardware (pieces that were all in perfect shape) and, especially, to check out measurements for reef points, etc. The old sail was blown out but the sizing was perfect. They were totally amenable to working with the old sail.
I received a perfect product and saved several hundred bucks in the process. Well worth the $100.00 in freight to ship the sail.
Otherwise, I agree with the idea of using someone local.
Ernie A. in Toronto
A few years back I was looking at replacing my sail for Pondus NS26. I discussed my needs with the sail designer at North Sail in Toronto, and he suggested to use their new non-laminated Radian cloth NDR 5.2. I proceeded with his design, and has been very happy with the results. It has got a full top batten and 3 leech battens. It sets beautifully, and performs well on all points of sailing.
Unfortunately, because of health issues I am currently modifying Pondus sail plan to a standing lug with a smaller sail, which will be less demanding to sail. So with some regrets, I am looking for a new home for my slightly used sail.
It is fitted with Tides Marine slides, and includes the track which easily slides on top of the standard S/S track.
Anyone interested can contact me via email. jmoller@ant.ca
Jorgen Moller
Pondus NS26 #33
RCYC Toronto
Anyone need a spare sail…tuftedpillow topper with 2 sets of sheets ,or original bowrail?..
Jordon,
It would be interesting to see how your standing lug sail is rigged. When you are further along, please share the design aspects (gaff, boom, tacking, etc).
Carl Linkinhoker
NS26C,146, Break of Day
New York
Carl Linkinhoker
NS26c 146 Break of Day
Jordon,
It would be interesting to see how your standing lug sail is rigged. When you are further along, please share the design aspects (gaff, boom, tacking, etc).
Carl Linkinhoker
NS26C,146, Break of Day
New York
Carl Linkinhoker
NS26c 146 Break of Day
I had a standing lug rig on my Great Pelican, we loved it. Short easy to handle spars, easy to balance, ours was full battened similar to a Chinese Junk, with that we could jibe with impunity.
If it hadn’t been for several episodes of 2-foot-itis we might still have her.
Be sure to keep us informed. I would love to see photos,
Tim in STL
White O’morn NS26U #216
Harbor Point Yacht Club
West Alton, MO
Hi Tim,
Glad to hear you loved your standing lug. John Newell and I have been trying out various configurations. First we rigged Pondus with a traditional lug rig with a 15’ boom and 7’ yard and a fully batten sail. The boom and yard was extended a couple of feet in front of the mast. The sail is about 430 sqf. The experience was amazing. No weather helm, we couldn’t feel the jibe, and my auto helm had no problems controlling the boat. Only problem was getting the sail down single handed without giving the sail a helping hand. The current configuration is the standing lug with the luff on a Tides track, but with the same sail. We got the sail back from the loft yesterday, and will install it Thursday for a first try. I shall send you some pictures and details later,
I have attached a picture of the lug test. Be aware we are running on the lee with the boom and yard rotated way beyond the mast.
Jorgen Moller
Pondus NS26 #33
RCYC Toronto
Oh, that brings back memories. I do not understand the problem in getting the sail down. How was the sail attached to the mast? We had what they call parrels (sp?) at each batten that loosely wrapped around the mast, that allowed the sail to be moved for and aft, similar to the way our choker works with the wishbone system. The weight of the top spar was more than enough to bring the sail down.
Tim in STL
White O’morn NS26U #216
Harbor Point Yacht Club
West Alton, MO
If I was looking for a very good used sail for an N26, I’d jump at the chance to buy Jorgen’s sail. He takes wonderful care of his boat, etc. and is a very knowledgeable Nonsucher.
Ernie A. in Toronto
Jorgen,
Nice looking sail. When I look at the pictures, I am thinking it would be called a balanced lug rig.
Did you get a chance to compare the sail performance against a standard rigged 26? How did the sail work up wind? How did you put camber in the sail? Some of the members of the junk rig association have put camber in the sail by the cut of the sail between straight battens, others have tried hinged battens. One or tow have cut away the sail around the mast so that they have jiblets in front of the mast. This as I understand it is to remove the problem of “the bad tack” where the sail has to ben around the mast.
Did the boom and yard interfere with moving around the mast when the sail was dropped?
Looking forward to seeing more pictures and news on how the sail performs.
Mark Powers
La Reina 26C
Vancouver, B.C.
Michael, do you still have a spare/used sail that you are looking to get rid of?
Val - NS26C #75
Sorry …I gave it away…
Jorgan,
Please reply by private message with your email address.
Thank you.
Is this sail still available? Thank you
Best
Steve O
Nonsuch 26C #172 ex Cracker Jack/TBD
Marblehead, MA
